The tenth week of the 2024-2025 men’s college basketball season has brought significant shifts in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll Top 25. Conference play has intensified, leading to thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes. Some top teams have solidified their positions, while others have seen a drop in rankings. The coaches have reconvened to reassess the standings after this eventful week. Auburn has climbed to the top spot following Tennessee's loss, while other teams like Iowa State and Houston continue to make impressive gains. Meanwhile, Tennessee and Kentucky faced setbacks but managed to recover with strong performances.
This week has been pivotal for several teams. Auburn secured victories over Texas and South Carolina but lost a key player to injury. Iowa State had an exciting overtime win against Texas Tech and now faces tough games against Kansas and West Virginia. Duke's Cooper Flagg delivered standout performances, and Florida dominated Tennessee and Arkansas. Alabama and Tennessee also had mixed results, while Marquette took a break after beating Georgetown. Houston continues its upward trajectory with wins over TCU and Kansas State, and Kentucky rebounded from a loss to Georgia by defeating Mississippi State. Kansas started 2025 strongly, and the rest of the Top 25 saw notable changes as well.
Auburn Leads the Pack Amidst Rising Competition
The Auburn Tigers have surged to the top of the USA TODAY Coaches Poll following a series of compelling performances. Despite losing All-American center Johni Broome to an ankle injury, the team secured wins over Texas and South Carolina. This rise in rankings comes as conference play intensifies, setting the stage for crucial matchups ahead. Auburn will face Mississippi State on Tuesday and Georgia this weekend, both of which are critical tests for the reigning champions.
Auburn's journey to the top was marked by strategic plays and resilient defense. The team's ability to adapt to challenges, such as the absence of Broome, showcases their depth and versatility. Their upcoming games will be pivotal in determining if they can maintain this top position. The clash with Mississippi State will test their defensive prowess, while the game against Georgia will highlight their offensive capabilities. Both opponents present unique challenges that will push the Tigers to their limits. As the season progresses, Auburn must balance these high-stakes games with player health and team cohesion to stay atop the rankings.
Key Movements and Upcoming Challenges for Other Top Teams
Beyond Auburn, several other teams have experienced significant movements in the rankings. Iowa State climbed higher after securing a midweek win over Utah and a thrilling overtime victory against Texas Tech on the road. The Cyclones now face a grueling schedule with matches against Kansas and West Virginia. Duke's Cooper Flagg delivered stellar performances, helping the Blue Devils secure wins over Pitt and Notre Dame. Florida dominated Tennessee and Arkansas, positioning themselves as a formidable force in the SEC.
Alabama's convincing win over South Carolina set the stage for a big-time road victory against Texas A&M, while Tennessee dropped after their first loss but quickly rebounded with a win over Texas. Marquette enjoyed a successful week with a win over Georgetown and preparation for upcoming games. Houston continued its climb with wins over TCU and Kansas State, demonstrating their strength in Big 12 matchups. Kentucky recovered from a loss to Georgia by defeating Mississippi State in a Top 25 showdown. Kansas started 2025 strongly with wins over Arizona State and Cincinnati, setting up important games against Iowa State and Kansas State. These teams must navigate challenging schedules and capitalize on opportunities to solidify their positions in the rankings.